When you are expecting the biggest eagle in Africa to arrive, and what arrives instead is the smallest biggest eagle in Africa.
Martial Eagles are renowned for being the biggest eagle species in Africa with an average weight of between 3.9 and 4.7 kgs. Proving the wide size range between these sexually dimorphic (differences between male and female) raptors, this diminutive male weighs only 2.6kgs. This makes him smaller than most of the Crowned Eagles, and even some of the Fish Eagles we have had come in over the years.
This is just as well, considering the size of his talons! (Image below on RHS.)
While Martial Eagles do not have the powerful grip strength of the Crowned Eagles, they are nevertheless formidable predators, and can subdue large monitor lizards and small antelope without too much effort.
These endangered eagles are declining in numbers at an alarming rate, and they are not frequently seen in the Midlands area, so it was a pleasant surprise to have this adult brought in from the Dargle. What is not so pleasant is the deep, infected wound he has on the one wing.
With the amount of bruising and swelling, we suspect there may very well be a fracture, so a vet visit has been booked.
We are hoping that the news will be positive, and holding thumbs that this beautiful, endangered eagle will live to fly the skies once more.
Top image: The compact male Martial Eagle on admission. Fortunately he had been found and picked up before he was predated or serious infection had set into the wing, and his overall body condition was still good.